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John Gardner Quotes

Novelist

John Gardner, born on July 21, 1933, was an influential American novelist of the mid-20th century. Known for his profound character development and imaginative storytelling, his works have been highly appreciated by readers.

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Famous John Gardner Quotes

“Except in the life of a hero, the whole world's meaningless. The hero sees the value beyond what's possible. That's the nature of a hero. It kills him of course, ultimately. But it makes the whole struggle of humanity worthwhile. (p.77)”

Optimism Heroes Heroism Beowulf Grendel

Book:Grendel

Source: Grendel

“I had a chance. I knew I had no more than that. it's all a hero asks for.”

Hero Optimism Mgg Grendel John Gardner

Book:Grendel

Source: Grendel

“Stars, spattered out through lifeless night from end to end, like jewels scattered in a dead king's grave, tease, torment my wits toward meaningful patterns that do not exist.”

Existential Beowulf Grendel

Book:Grendel

Source: Grendel

“My advice to you, my violent friend, is to seek out gold and sit on it.”

Advice Gold Dragon Seek Grendel

Book:Grendel

Source: Grendel

“It's not easy to kill a mountain goat. He thinks with his spine.”

Stupidity Grendel

Book:Grendel

Source: Grendel

“So it goes with me day by day and age by age, I tell myself. Locked in the deadly progression of moon and stars. I shake my head, muttering darkly on shaded paths, holding conversation with the only friend and comfort this world allows, my shadow.”

Beowulf Grendel

Book:Grendel

Source: Grendel

“I have come up this clean-mown central hill, dark shadow out of the woods below, and have knocked politely on the high oak door, bursting its hinges and sending the shock of my greeting inward like a cold blast out of a cave: "Grendel!" they squeak, and I smile like exploding spring. (P 12)”

Grendel

Book:Grendel

Source: Grendel

“I am mad with joy.--At least I think it's joy. Strangers have come, and it's a whole new game. I kiss the ice on the frozen creeks, I press my ear to it, honoring the water that rattles below, for by water they came: the icebergs parted as if gently pushed back by enormous hands, and the ship sailed through, sea-eager, foamy-necked, white sails, riding the swan-road, flying like a bird! O happy Grendel! Fifteen glorious heroes, proud in their battle dress, fat as cows!”

Arrival Beowulf Grendel

Author:John Gardner

“My enemies define themselves (as the dragon told me) on me. As for myself, I could finish them off in a single night […] yet I hold back. I am hardly blind to the absurdity. Form is function. What will we call the Hrothgar-Wrecker when Hrothgar has been wrecked? (p.79)”

Purpose Balance Villain Absurdity Yin And Yang Grendel Johngardner

Book:Grendel

Source: Grendel

About the Author

Born: July 21, 1933
Died: September 14, 1982
Known for: Novelist
Quotes: 72

Books & Sources

GrendelRelated source material

The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young WritersRelated source material

On Moral FictionRelated source material

On Becoming a NovelistRelated source material

Conversations with John GardnerRelated source material

Jason and MedeiaRelated source material

On writers and writingRelated source material

In the suicide mountainsRelated source material

Mickelsson's GhostsRelated source material

On LeadershipRelated source material

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